Skid-Steer Loader Trade-In Guide

Trading in your skid-steer loader is a simple process. We’ve put together this easy guide to highlight the primary machine components to inspect that can effect the trade in value. To get top dollar on your trade in, follow the list below.

Overall, the loader should fully function, including moving forward and backwards, and lifting the boom up and down. The unit should not have damaged ROPS and the door, wipers, and safety bar should operate as intended. There should be no noticeable impact damage and all customer identification must be removed from the unit before trading it in. For best results, the unit should be steam cleaned prior to returning to avoid any potential inspection misdiagnosis. Also, any agreed upon attachments need to be with the machine when trading it in.

Important Unit Inspection Criteria

1. Seat Inspection

**ACCEPTABLE:** The seat should be free of cuts, tears or burn holes. There shall be no broken or missing interior components or panels. Normal wear and tear to the interior cabin is expected.

**UNACCEPTABLE:** Any seat with cuts, tears or burn holes. Any seat with broken or missing interior components or panels.

2. Cylinder Inspection

**ACCEPTABLE:** All hydraulic pumps, hoses and cylinders must be fully operational at rated capacity with no leaks. This applies to all hydraulic cylinders and hoses on the machine, including attachments.

**UNACCEPTABLE:** Any cylinder or hoses with signs of leaking must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

3. Tire Inspection

**ACCEPTABLE:** All tires should be the same size and type as originally delivered. Each tire/wheel combination shall have no missing parts or gouges and all tires should have a minimum of 50% remaining wear.

**UNACCEPTABLE:** Any tires with excessive wear or damage must be replaced with matching tires that have greater than 50% tread wear remaining.

4. Engine Inspection

**ACCEPTABLE:** The engine must be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. It should operate as intended and be free of leaks. It should be free of any fault codes and the machine should start without difficulty.

**UNACCEPTABLE:** Any engine leaks, engine fault codes, blown cylinders, or other obvious mechanical deficiencies with the engine must be repaired prior to returning the equipment.

5. Tailgate Inspection

**ACCEPTABLE:** Machine is expected to have normal wear and tear. There should be no physical or impact damage that exceeds $250. Tailgate must be able to open, close and lock in place and all lights should be in-place and operational. Machine should also be de-identified with your company name/logo.

**UNACCEPTABLE:** Machine should not have excessive wear, including any significant physical or impact damage over $250. Any missing lights or parts must be repaired prior to returning equipment.

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Inspection Definition Table

Attribute Name	Inspection Definition	Definition
Track Condition	Good Condition, Gouge, Cut	– Chunk measuring ½ inches by 3 inches = Gouge – Cut measuring ½ inches by 3 inches = Cut
Seat	Good Condition, Cut, Tear, Burn, Broken	– A cut or tear less than 6 inches with no internal materials exposed = Cut – A cut or tear longer than 6 inches with no internal materials exposed or a cut or tear shorter than 6 inches with internal material exposed = Tear – A burn hole with internal material exposed = Burn – Broken welds = Broken
Tailgate Lights	Good Condition, Broken, Missing, Non-Operational	– Missing pieces of plastic/glass = Broken – Not working = Non-Operational
Working Lights	Good Condition, Broken, Missing, Non-Operational	– Missing pieces of plastic/glass = Broken – Not working = Non-Operational
Front Door	No Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken	– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack – Longer than 6 inches = Broken – Missing piece of glass = Missing
Rear and Top Window	No Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken	– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack – Longer than 6 inches = Broken – Missing piece of glass = Missing
Side Glass Complete	No Damages, Missing, Cracked, Broken	– A chip or crack shorter than 6 inches = Crack – Longer than 6 inches = Broken – Missing piece of glass = Missing